Stearns 6340 User manual

DO NOT REMOVE PRIOR TO SALE!

Model Nos. 4430 or 6340 –

OWNER’S MANUAL

HIGH WEARABILITY TYPE V

USER ASSISTED INFLATABLE BELT

PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE

ADULT UNIVERSAL – FOR PERSONS OVER 80 POUNDS

I. APPROVAL CONDITIONS and CARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS

This inflatable belt is approved by the U S Coast Guard as a Type

V User Assisted Personal Flotation Device (PFD). It is APPROVED

ONLY WHEN WORN for use as a Flotation Aid, Type I I I PFD for

recreational use on calm inland waters. It is not approved for

water skiing or other high-speed activity. This inflatable was

designed to be more comfortable and less restrictive to wear than

inherently buoyant PFDs. When used and serviced according to

this owner’s manual, this personal flotation device (PFD) can

greatly increase your chances of survival. Not recommended for

non-swimmers or weak swimmers. Users of inflatable PFDs must

be at least 16 years of age.

See Page 3 for Conditions for Type V Approval.

WEAR YOUR PFD! Most drowned victims of boating accidents

owned PFDs, but were not wearing them when they died. Most

drowning occurs in inland waters, not way out at sea, and most

within a few feet of safety. If you DO NOT intend to wear this

PFD, then SELECT ONE that you will. Doing this provides

feedback to manufacturer's, as to what makes a PFD wearable.

Deflated

Inflated

2

SPECIFICATIONS

Chest size: 30-52 inches

Weight range: over 80 pounds

Age Range: 16 years and older

Buoyancy (minimum): 15.5 pounds after CO

2

inflation 22.5

pounds after full inflation. (See Donning and Inflation instructions

pages 7 & 8.)

Inflation System:

Manual Inflation Mechanism (located on front of chamber)

Oral Tube (located on front of chamber)

CO

2

Cylinder: 16 Gram, 3/8” thread.

** USE REPLACEMENT KIT NO. 0925 **

GENERAL ARRANGEMENT

Revised: 2006-05-08

3

II. CONDITIONS FOR TYPE V APPROVAL

Conditional approvals are granted by the Coast Guard for PFDs

that:

1. Do not meet all the requirements for approval under the Type

I through IV categories, but offer other significant safety

features, or

2. Have features or uses not found in Types I through IV PFDs

that require special user knowledge.

The conditions let the user overcome design traits that would

otherwise prevent approval.

Wearing a PFD is one of the most important things you can do to

help you save your life if you accidentally fall in the water. Finding

a comfortable PFD that you will wear is the key. This PFD design

offers the significant safety features of being lightweight, low

profile and comfortable for continuous wear. This PFD must be

worn, to meet carriage requirements, so that it is available on the

wearer when needed.

This PFD is also approved as a Type V because the buoyancy

provided by the CO

2

gas from the cylinder, does not provide as

much buoyancy as a Type I I I inflatable PFD. However, the

buoyancy that a CO

2

cylinder provides is enough to turn many

people to a stable, face up position, so that they can add

additional buoyancy, if necessary, by blowing air into the chamber

through the oral tube. When fully inflated, using both the CO

2

cylinder and a few additional puffs of air through the oral tube,

the buoyancy of this PFD is equal to that of an inflatable Type III .

Finally, this PFD is a Type V because you must know how to

readjust it to float you best. Wearing this PFD, knowing how to

achieve full buoyancy and how to maximize performance are

necessary for it to provide an equivalent level of safety to PFDs

without user conditions on their approval. See Page 9

“Maximizing Performance”.

“APPROVED ONLY WHEN WORN “

This PFD has the “Approved Only When Worn” condition on it’s

approval because if it is not worn whenever above deck and

underway, it cannot be counted as a PFD to meet the carriage

requirements on your boat. Wearing this PFD is intended to:

1. Provide it with the extra attention associated with use, and

2. Increase safety enormously because you have it on when you

need it.

4

MANDATORY CARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS

Federal Regulations in 33 CFR 175-1993 require you to carry

Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) legibly

marked with the Coast Guard approval number, which are in good

and serviceable condition, and are the correct size for each

person on board. To be considered serviceable, this PFD shall

not exhibit deterioration that could diminish its performance such

as broken or deformed hardware, detached webbing, rotted

structural components, air leaks or nonfunctional oral tubes.

Unless worn inflated, this PFD must also be properly armed with a

full CO

2

cylinder, inflation system indicator and an accessible

manual inflation lanyard. Since this PFD is “approved only when

worn” it must be worn under the conditions specified on Page 1.

III. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

Know your PFD. Familiarize yourself with its features and practice

using it before attempting to use it in deep water or in an

emergency. You must accept responsibility for proper use and

care of this device, and in-water trials to check its performance.

This device is not recommended for non-swimmers, since panic by

the user in an emergency situation can prevent proper donning

and inflation. This PFD is not approved for children under 16.

PRE-DONNING INSTRUCTIONS

Check the following before using this PFD:

1. Inspect PFD for damage.

2. Examine inflation mechanism status indicators.

3. Examine CO

2

cylinder face for puncture hole.

4. Be sure cylinder is screwed in tight.

Read below for more detailed information

1. Inspecting Your PFD for Damage

Make sure that the PFD is free of rips, tears or punctures. This

type of damage on the outside covering indicates that the

Inflatable Chamber may have been exposed to potentially

damaging elements. If these defects expose the yellow chamber

material, discontinue use of the PFD until you have had the PFD

inspected by an certified Stearns Repair Facility. If these defects

are noticed but the yellow chamber fabric is not exposed, the

Inflatable Chamber should also be checked for leaks. The

Inflatable Chamber should also be checked for leaks at the

beginning of each season and at least every two months during

the boating season. The leak test procedure is described under

USER’S INSPECTION. Refer to Pages 14 and 15.

5

2. Examine the inflation mechanism status indicators.

The indicator will tell you if the inflation mechanism is properly

ARMED/REARMED and ready for activation. If the indicator shows

RED, the mechanism is not ready to fire, and you must rearm the

mechanism to set the indicator to GREEN. Refer to rearming

instructions on Pages 11 and 12, and on the PFD chamber.

3. Examine Your CO

2

Cylinder

The CO

2

cylinder contains the gas charge that will inflate your

PFD when the inflation mechanism is fired. You must verify that

the CO

2

cylinder installed is of the correct size and has not been

previously fired. There are no indicators to show that the CO

2

cylinder is full. See the Product Specifications section on Page 2

of this manual for the proper size cylinder. The size includes both

thread size and gram weight. To examine the cylinder, you must

unscrew it and visually examine the flat surface of the threaded

end. If the cylinder cap is punctured or damaged in any way,

discard it and install a new, undamaged cylinder in the

mechanism. If the cylinder is OK, you must properly screw it back

into the mechanism.

4. Cylinder Tightness

When screwing the cylinder back into the PFD, make sure it is

snug. Over tightening can damage the inflator seal, but if not

snug the cylinder can unscrew during use and may leak or not be

punctured when the “Jerk to Inflate” lanyard is pulled.

Additional Notes on CO

2

Cylinders :

a. FAILURE to properly rearm the inflation mechanism prior to

installing the CO

2

cylinder will result in a premature activation

of the cylinder. Follow the rearming steps exactly. See Pages

11 and 12.

b. CO

2

cylinders are good for one inflation and cannot be

recharged.

c. CO

2

cylinders are made with a protective coating that may

wear off after a period of use or exposure to the environment.

When this coating is worn off, the CO

2

cylinder may start to

show some signs of rusting. If this occurs, replace the CO

2

cylinder.

d. If a gram scale (such as postal scale) is available, it is

recommended to weigh the cylinder to verify that it meets the

minimum weight listed on the cylinder.

6

OTHER USE GUIDE LINES -

STUDY this manual and practice using your belt to become

thoroughly familiar with its features and operation. Your inflatable

PFD will not provide buoyancy until you inflate it. See Pages 17

and 18 for testing your PFD.

ALWAYS re-arm the CO

2

inflation system after each discharge.

The CO

2

cylinder is good for only one inflation and then must be

replaced. Use ONLY genuine Stearns replacement kits for

rearming your PFD. See Pages 11 and 12 for rearming

instructions.

NEVER wear inside clothing that can restrict expansion.

NEVER inflate in a tightly confined space.

NEVER inflate with any type of pump.

NEVER actuate with CO

2

inflator if the belt is already fully inflated.

NEVER use in below freezing temperatures unless worn partly

inflated. At or below 40 ºF inflation time with CO

2

gas will be

longer. Wearing a partially inflated PFD under these conditions will

provide some initial buoyancy while the PFD fully inflates.

Caution: Do not fully inflate orally and then inflate with the CO

2

cylinder. Repeated CO

2

inflation after oral inflation will damage the

PFD to the point that it will not hold air or float.

AVOID contact with sharp objects.

AVOID exposure to extreme heat (140 ºF or higher).

Failure to heed the above cautions may result in personal

injury or death.

7

DONNING and INFLATION INSTRUCTIONS

After completing the pre-donning check, follow these instructions

to don, inflate and adjust the PFD for maximum performance.

1. Loosen Shoulder Straps.

Insert left arm between back strap

and deflated vest (See fig.1). Pull

vest on over your head (See fig.2).

Pull buckle to front so you can see

it. Buckle and adjust by pulling on

free end of the belt. Secure the

excess strap by tucking it under the

belt. Always position the belt with

the center window in front. The

Velcro

®

opening should be on the

bottom. The “Jerk to Inflate”

lanyard should be hanging

downward. Adjust Shoulder

Straps to a comfortable fit.

2. Pull down on the “Jerk to

Inflate lanyard to inflate

chamber.

3. Grasp the neck adjustment

strap tucked under the inflated

chamber. Slip the strap (located

at the center of the chamber)

over your head.

Step 1 – Snap buckle,

snug waist strap.

Step 2 – Jerk tab to

Inflate.

Step 3 – Put webbing

over head.

8

Donning and Inflation Instructions – cont’d

4. Adjust the length of the

neck strap for desired comfort

and head support. Pull down

on the adjustment strap to

tighten, or lift up the plastic

slide to loosen.

Shoulder Straps may need to

be Loosened to adjust Waist

Strap.

5. After CO

2

inflation, the

performance of the PFD may

be satisfactory without further

action. However, higher

buoyancy is easily available

through second stage inflation.

Using the oral inflation tube,

you may top off buoyancy to

the desired level.

Step 4 –

Adjust neck strap.

Step 5 –

Oral Inflate.

9

MAXIMIZING PERFORMANCE

Why should someone do this? It is important to learn how to use

this PFD in the water. Try your PFD in the water before

attempting to use it in deep water or in an emergency to find out

what position and adjustments provide the best support for you.

It is important, especially in cold water and wave conditions, to get

your head out of the water as much as possible. Doing this will

reduce the amount of heat loss through your head, (see

"Hypothermia", Pages 19 and 20), improve your ability to see

around you to identify any sources of rescue and to keep your

mouth out of the water as much as possible to reduce the chance

of inhaling water. Most, but perhaps not all people, will be able to

get their heads completely out of the water by placing their bodies

in a near vertical position and float with their arms extended out

over the top of the chamber (see figure 1 below).

Once in the water with the PFD inflated, you should be able to

float comfortably on your back (see figure 2 below). You may find

it more comfortable to loosen the body strap slightly, without

unbuckling it, and let it slide up to your chest. Then, orally add

more air to the chamber if necessary and readjust the neck strap

to provide head support. You may find that positioning the neck

strap in various locations on your neck or even the back of your

head, will provide better head support.

10

DEFLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Deflating may be accomplished by inserting the deflation tool

located on the dust cap into the end of the oral inflation tube

while gently squeezing the inflation chamber. Reposition the dust

cap over the end of the inflation tube after deflating to help

protect the valve inside.

DO NOT TWIST OR WRING INFLATABLE CHAMBER TO DEFLATE.

If for any reason the oral valve remains open, depress it several

times. If it does not release, discontinue use of this PFD and

return to Stearns Inc for repair. In an emergency situation, hold

thumb over the valve if it will not close.

11

REARMING INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1

Unscrew used CO

2

cylinder in a

counterclockwise direction and

immediately discard. Do not insert

new cylinder at this time.

To avoid confusion later in

the rearming process, we

suggest you throw away the

old CO

2

cylinder now.

STEP 2

Close manual inflator arm

within inflator body and

carefully insert a new green

indicator tab so that it fully

covers the red semi-circle on

the body.

STEP 3

Look into threaded cylinder

receiver and view the

gasket. If worn, contact

Stearns Inc. (1-800-

STEARNS) for the nearest

certified Stearns Repair

Facility.

12

REARMING INSTRUCTIONS (cont.)

Step 4

Inspect the face of the new

cylinder. Be sure it is

smooth and has no holes or

scratches. There is a gross

weight on the cylinder. If you

have any questions about

cylinder integrity, weigh the

cylinder on a small scale,

such as a postage scale.

Compare the weight printed

on the cylinder to the actual

weight. If they do not match,

get another cylinder.

STEP 5

Screw new cylinder in a

clockwise direction firmly

into the inflator. Do not

over-tighten, but ensure

the fit is tight.

STEP 6

Check the inflator arming

indicator every boating

trip. The indicator and

cylinder tightness tell you if

there is a need for service.

Check the cylinder face

regularly to ensure it is not

punctured. Be sure

cylinder is screwed in tight.

13

REPACKING INSTRUCTIONS

Always dry out, deflate the PFD and rearm the inflation

mechanism. Follow REARMING instructions prior to

REPACKAGING.

Step 1 (Fig. 1)

Position as shown in Fig.

1. Reference General

Arrangement on page 2.

Step 2 (Fig. 2)

Roll up the air chamber

on top of the neck strap

with mechanism

remaining on top.

Step 3 (Fig. 3)

Close the cover with its

tape fasteners, aligning

the indicator’s ready

status indicator to be

visible through the

window.

Step 4 (Fig. 4)

Be sure to leave the “Jerk

to Inflate” tab exposed at

the bottom of the belt.

14

IV.IS YOUR PFD IN GOOD AND SERVICEABLE CONDITION?

Check your PFD between outings to be sure that it is properly

armed; that it is free of rips, tears or holes; that all seams are

securely sewn; and that the fabric, straps and hardware are still

strong. Check to be sure your cylinder is screwed in tight. Inspect

the inflatable portion of the PFD in accordance with Care and

Maintenance Instructions.

V. CARE AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

GENERAL PRODUCT LIFE EXPECTANCY

The reliability and service life of this PFD depends greatly upon

how it is used and cared for. Avoid storing PFD in direct sunlight.

Sunlight contains ultraviolet radiation that weakens synthetic

materials. Prolonged exposures to high temperatures and high

humidity may shorten service life of this PFD. While it is known

that these elements degrade the materials, every use

environment is unique so there is no sure way to estimate how

long the PFD will last. It is for this reason that you must follow the

care and cleaning instructions and perform the maintenance and

service checks. This will assure that the PFD remains functional

and will maximize the useful life of this PFD. Failure to follow these

instructions rigorously could result in a non-functioning PFD

causing injury or death.

USER'S INSPECTION

The users should perform the following checks before each

season, or before a long journey, or before each outing, as

recommended below:

1. Physical Inspection of Cover and Straps - Examine outer

shell fabric, seams, webbing attachments, buckles, slides, etc.

Fabric fading can indicate a loss of strength. Check for

strength by pulling seams and attachments snugly. If device

shows any signs of damage, return to a certified Stearns

Repair Facility or replace the entire device. This inspection

should be performed each outing.

15

2. Oral Inflation Leak Test - This test should be performed

every two months and at the start of each season. Inflate

buoyancy chamber using the oral inflation valve and leave to

rest for 16 hours. When buoyancy chamber remains firm and

full of air there is no leakage and chamber is operational. If

the chamber deflates during this leak test, it is no longer in

operational condition and should not be used. Some types of

leaks can be repaired by a certified Stearns Repair Facility,

while others are not repairable. If the PFD leaks, either return

to certified Stearns Repair Facility for evaluation and repair, or

discard the PFD.

3. Function Test of Oral Valve - With the PFD inflated, remove

the dust protection cap, and test the valve by pushing it down

using the tab provided on the cap (refer to Page 10). The

valve should depress easily, and when depressed, air should

escape. When released the valve should automatically return

to the closed position and reseal.

REARMING KIT(S)

Use replacement kit no. 0925. See Rearming Instructions on

pages 11 and 12.

CARE AND CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS

Drying – If the device is wet, place on a coat hanger to allow

thorough drying. Do not place in direct sunlight to dry. Do not use

any heat source or place on radiator.

Cleaning – Damp wipe only with mild detergent recommended for

synthetic fabrics. Remove grease and oil immediately. After every

use rinse well with fresh water. Read instructions provided on the

device.

• DO NOT MACHINE WASH

• DO NOT MACHINE DRY

• DO NOT DRY CLEAN

• DO NOT USE SOLVENT BASED CLEANERS

• DO NOT BLEACH

Revised: 2006-05-08

16

STORAGE

• Store in clean, cool, dry area.

• Do not store in direct sunlight.

REPAIR

If you have any question about the condition or integrity of this

product call 1-800-STEARNS (1-800-783-2767). A damaged

device must be repaired by certified Stearns Repair

Facility or discarded.

SERVICING

Stearns strongly recommends that this device be inspected at

least every 24 months by a certified Stearns Repair Facility or

STEARNS Inc. Call 1-800-STEARNS (1-800-783-2767) for your

nearest certified Stearns Repair Facility.

VI. WHY ARE PFDs REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT?

Drownings are the leading cause of fatalities involving recreational

boating. A PFD provides flotation to help keep your head above

water, help you stay face up in the water and increase your

chances for survival and rescue. Most adults only need an extra 7

to 12 pounds of flotation to keep their heads above water. The

proper size PFD will properly support the weight of the wearer.

This is an inflatable PFD. It does not provide any flotation unless

it is inflated. Familiarize yourself with the use of this PFD, so you

know what to do when you need to use it.

17

VII. HOW AND WHY TO TEST YOUR PFD?

Inflate your PFD and try it out in the water to:

• Make sure it floats you:

Comfortably

(When worn properly)

Adequately for expected wave conditions

(Body shapes/densities affect performance)

• Make sure it works:

A flow of bubbles should not appear

(See Section V for leak tests)

It should inflate quick and easily

• Learn how it works by:

Activating the CO

2

inflation system

Rearming the CO

2

inflation system

Using the Oral inflator tube

HOW DO YOU TEST YOUR PFD USING THE MANUAL

INFLATOR?

1. To test your inflatable PFD, you will need:

• Your fully armed PFD, and

• Rearming kit approved for your PFD. (This kit contains a

CO

2

cylinder that you will need to use following this test.)

2. Put on the PFD.

3. Actuate the inflation system by jerking firmly downward on the

pull tab. The PFD should fully inflate within 5 seconds.

4. Pull neck strap over head and adjust. See MAXIMIZING

PERFORMANCE on Page 9.

5. Get into shallow water, just deep enough that you can stand

with your head above the surface.

6. See if the PFD will float you on your back or just slightly back

of vertical. In a relaxed floating position, verify that your

mouth is well above the water’s surface. Note the effect of

where you hold your legs on how you float.

7. Get out of the water and remove the PFD. Remove the used

CO

2

cylinder from the PFD inflator. Completely deflate the

PFD using the oral inflator.

8. Let the PFD dry thoroughly. REARM and REPACK the PFD

in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions (refer to

Pages 11, 12 and 13).

18

HOW DO YOU TEST YOUR PFD USING THE ORAL INFLATOR?

1. To test your inflatable PFD, you will not need any spare

parts.

2. Remove the CO

2

cylinder to prevent inadvertent activation of

the manual inflation which could potentially damage the PFD.

Inspect the threaded end to confirm it’s un-used.

3. Put on the PFD.

4. Get into shallow water, just deep enough that you can stand

with head above the surface.

5. If you are a weak or non-swimmer, inflate the PFD partially so

that you are supported well enough to complete inflation

without touching bottom, either orally or manually. Note this

level of inflation because it is the minimum needed for you to

safely use this inflatable PFD.

6. Fully inflate the PFD using the oral inflator.

7. See if the PFD will float you on your back or slightly back of

vertical. In a relaxed floating position, verify that your mouth is

well above the water’s surface. Note the effect of where you

hold your legs on how you float.

8. Get out of the water and remove the PFD. Completely deflate

the PFD using the oral inflator.

9. Let the PFD dry thoroughly. REARM AND REPACK the PFD

in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Refer to

Pages 11, 12 and 13.

19

20

VIII. WEAR YOUR PFD

In approximately 80 percent of all boating fatalities, the victims

were not wearing a PFD. Most fatal accidents happen on calm

sunny days. This inflatable PFD is much more comfortable to wear

than other PFD types. Get into the habit of wearing this PFD.

Non-swimmers and children especially should wear a hybrid or

non-inflatable PFD at all times when on or near the water.

IX. HYPOTHERMIA

Prolonged exposure to cold water causes a condition known as

hypothermia — a substantial loss of body heat, which leads to

exhaustion and unconsciousness. Most drowning victims first

suffer from hypothermia. The following chart shows the effects of

hypothermia:

HO W HY P OTHE RMI A AFFECTS MOST ADULTS

Water Temperature

°C °(F)

Exhaustion or

Unconsciousness

Expected Time

of Survival

0.3

0.3 TO 4.4

4.4 TO 10

10 TO 15.6

15.6 TO 21.1

21.1 TO 26.7

Over 26.7

(32.5)

(32.5 to 40)

(40 to 50)

(50 to 60)

(60 to 70)

(70 to 80)

(Over 80)

UNDER 15 MIN

15 TO 30 MIN

30 TO 60 MIN

1 TO 2 HOURS

2 TO 7 HOURS

2 TO 12 HOURS

INDEFINITE

< 15 TO 45 MIN

30 TO 90 MIN

1 TO 3 HOURS

1 TO 6 HOURS

2 TO 40 HOURS

3 HOURS TO INDEFINITE

INDEFINITE

PFDs can increase survival time because they allow you to float

without using energy treading water and because of their

insulating properties. Naturally, the warmer the water, the less

insulation you will require. When operating in cold waters [below

60°F (15.6 °C)] you should consider using a coat or jacket style

PFD or a Type V Thermal Protective PFD as they cover more of

the body than the vest or belt style PFDs.

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